A Lagos High Court has ordered the producers of Gangs of Lagos and Amazon Web Services to issue a public apology to the Isale Eko Descendants Union (IDU) for the film’s depiction of the Eyo masquerade.
The court’s ruling follows a settlement between the IDU and the filmmakers after the union sued for defamation, arguing that the movie misrepresented Isale Eko as a hub for criminals and portrayed the revered Eyo masquerade as a violent gang.
Directed by Jade Osiberu and produced by Kemi Lala Akindoju, Gangs of Lagos was released on Amazon Prime Video on April 7, 2023. The film sparked outrage among the Isale Eko community, prompting the union to demand N10 billion in damages from Amazon and the film’s producers.
In a legal document dated February 20, 2025, Justice Idowu Alakija confirmed that all parties had agreed to an amicable resolution.
The Attorney General of Lagos and the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board were named as the first and second respondents in the suit, while the third to twelfth respondents included Osiberu, Akindoju, Adesegun Adetoro, Demi Olubanwo, Olumide Soyombo, Bankole Wellington, Adesua Wellington, Kola Aina, Greoh Limited, and Amazon Web Services Nigeria Limited.
As part of the ruling, the court mandated the filmmakers to publicly acknowledge their misrepresentation and apologise.
“The 3rd – 11th Respondents (the Film Producers) shall jointly issue a letter recognising the applicants’ position that the movie Gangs of Lagos erroneously portrayed and disparaged the cultural heritage of the well-respected Eyo masquerade and the peace-loving nature and the long-standing traditions of the Isale-Eko people, and shall therein, tender an unreserved apology to the applicants, Isale Eko Descendants Union in this regard.
Additionally, Amazon Web Services Nigeria Limited was directed to issue a separate apology on its official letterhead.
Following the ruling, the IDU welcomed the decision, describing it as a significant step toward preserving Nigeria’s indigenous cultural heritage.
“We feel vindicated by this judgment and thank the court system and the Lagos State Attorney General’s office for their role in resolving this dispute,” IDU Chairman Adeniji Kazeem (SAN) said in a statement on Wednesday.
Kazeem also urged national and state film regulatory bodies to be more vigilant in reviewing movies to prevent the misrepresentation of Nigerian cultures.
The Eyo Festival is a revered cultural event in Lagos, symbolising the spirits of the dead and ensuring the safe passage of kings and notable chiefs into the afterlife. The white-clad Eyo masquerades, known as Agogoro Eyo in Yoruba, are an integral part of Lagos’ heritage and history.